Ive always wanted to restore a c3. a neighbor of mine was selling his 75 stingray so i bought it. Pretty cheap too. Paint on it is peeling, needs new front and rear bumpers and a interior overhaul. The engine fires up really quick and seems to run good (original 350), but it smokes a lot. I have a pile of extra money ive been saving for this so that is not a huge issue. Im definatly dropping a big block (probably 454) in. Now heres where i need help. Im really a new guy when it comes to muscle cars. I know cars and motors really well in general (especially imports). I want your guys' opinion on the setup i want and point out anything im missing

so far-
454 HO crate with an Edelbrock EFI system
What would be a good transmission to match up to this?
entire bb serpentine system
Hooker headers into hooker side pipes

where/what brand
motor mounts???
suspension????
Brakes???
front and rear bumpers??
interior pieces??
would i need a new hood?
rear end???
what else am i not thinking of?

Its not going to be anything crazy, but i want something that can put down some power and look nice at the same time.

 

I'm not the expert at these new-fangled EFI converstions and terpentine belts, but I know you've got to watch the lower pulley and intake height. Not much room to play. You can COUNT on a high-rise hood of some type.

-Brakes and suspension require VB&P and/or Van Steel.
-I'm using Energy engine mounts.
-Bumpers? Mine are steel...can't help there.
-Interior...there's Al Knoch, then there's the rest.
-Rear end? Van Steel does quality rebuilds. Tom's is well thought of.
-You're not thinking of cooling. Check DeWitts.
-You didn't mention pipe inserts? Open? If not, do JCL Spiral Turbo Baffles.
-Paint is $$$. Get a quote before you go over the moon on hardware.

 

What he said. Couldn't have said it better myself!

To save money on paint, do the prep yourself. Beware of chemical peelers!!!